Patrons set up camp outside new Chick-fil-A on Merrimon Ave.

Diehard Chick-fil-A fans have set up camp outside the restaurant chain’s new location on Merrimon Ave. The first 100 patrons will receive a one-year supply of free Chick-fil-A meals. Each of the 100 meal cards is good for 52 free meals — a total of more than $30,000 in free food, according to a press release from the fast food establishment.

Patrons are welcome to gather today, April 2, in the Chick-fil-A parking lot. The free meal cards will be awarded on Thursday, April 3, at about 6 a.m. The restaurant will open for business immediately thereafter. According to the promotion rules, if there are more than 100 people present by 6 a.m. on Wednesday, April 2, all 100 spots will be determined by a drawing held that morning with those selected needing to camp out to secure their spot.